Program at a Glance
- Online, On Campus, and Blended
- Full-Time or Part-Time Study
- 16 Credits
- 8–12 Months to Completion
- 17 Core Faculty
- No GRE/GMAT
- Tuition & Fees—Part-Time Study*: $15,720
*Based on 2024–2025 Boston University tuition and fees.
Develop a Strong Foundation in Information Technology
Available on campus, online, and in a blended format, the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) offers hands-on experience in various aspects of software design and implementation, while providing comprehensive knowledge about the state-of-the-art in information technology. Industry reports reveal that today’s business world seeks graduates who possess broad business perspectives; systems/IS skills, including hardware and software programming; a strong grasp of communication and teamwork; analytical abilities; and cutting-edge technology knowledge in areas of systems analysis, web technology, data communications, and database systems.
BU MET’s Information Technology certificate curriculum will prepare you to assess the information needs of different organizational levels within an enterprise. You will be able to design, or fully participate in designing, systems that are both competitive and efficient; create an information systems architecture that aligns with organizational goals; and design systems that people can control, understand, and use in a socially and ethically responsible manner. The certificate in Information Technology is also an excellent building block to earning a master’s in Computer Information Systems from BU.
#4, America’s Top Online Colleges
Newsweek magazine ranked Boston University’s online programs #4 in the nation in its 2023 survey.
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#8, Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs
MET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #8 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2024.
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Computer Science Career Outlook
Top computer science careers in data science, software development, and other popular areas of IT.
Learn moreWhy BU Should Be Your Top Choice for Computer Science Graduate Study?
- Recognized & Certified: Boston University is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research. BU MET’s information security programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
- Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s computer science courses ensure you get the attention you need, while introducing case studies and real-world projects that emphasize technical and theoretical knowledge—combining in-depth, practical experience with the critical skills needed to remain on the forefront of the information technology field.
- Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s computer science graduate programs, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and seasoned industry leaders in a wide range of technology fields who are committed to teaching the latest technologies within the framework of ideas, concepts, and methods that drive innovation.
- Extensive Network: Study alongside peers and professionals with solid IT experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
- 15:1 Class Ratio: Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty and access to support.
- Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Center for Antiracist Research, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering, and many others.
- Flexible Options: Study at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus, fully online, or in the blended format that combines on-campus and online learning. Courses begin fall, spring, and summer; online courses have two starts per term.
- Track Record: Learn from the best—BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department at BU. Over its four decades, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.
Prepare for the Future of Technology with BU MET
The four-course Information Technology graduate certificate is part of BU MET’s portfolio of computer science and IT graduate programs. For over forty years, the Department of Computer Science at Metropolitan College has prepared students to tackle contemporary challenges in the field. Our programs are uniquely flexible—we offer courses evenings on campus, fully online, or in a blended format that combines online study with occasional campus visits—so you can balance graduate school with your career, family, and other obligations. We take pride in providing training in critical specialization areas and emphasizing practical, insightful, and adaptable knowledge that can be immediately applied on the job while informing your career growth for years to come. We also offer extensive advising to help you identify the subjects you’ll need to achieve your career goals.
Our degree programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS)—the MS in Computer Information Systems has additional accreditation from the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Boston University is designated a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
Gain Expertise in Information Technology
Metropolitan College’s Graduate Certificate in Information Technology will equip you with:
- Advanced knowledge of the goals, functions, and operations of an IT organization.
- Proficiency in analytical and technical skills in various aspects of software design and implementation.
- Competence in the field of information technology, and the ability to contribute to its advancement.
- Competence in communication, collaboration, teamwork, and ethics and professionalism.
Certificate-to-Degree Pathway
You can earn the master’s in Computer Information Systems by completing the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology and one of the following graduate certificates in Advanced Information Technology, Digital Forensics, Medical Information Security & Privacy, or Software Engineering, plus two additional courses: Introduction to Probability and Statistics (MET CS 546) and either Information Structures with Java (MET CS 520) or Information Structures with Python (MET CS 521).
You can earn the MS in Computer Information Systems with a concentration by completing the certificate in Information Technology and a certificate in one of the following concentration areas: Data Analytics, Database Management & Business Intelligence, Health Informatics, Information Security, IT Project Management, or Web Application Development, plus up to two additional courses as described above.
Students currently enrolled in a graduate certificate who are interested in transitioning into a master’s degree should contact their academic advisor to declare their interest in this pathway. A new master’s degree application is not required. Connect with a graduate admissions advisor at csadmissions@bu.edu to learn more about this option.
Information Technology Graduate Certificate Curriculum
(Four courses/16 credits)
MET CS 625 Business Data Communication and Networks
MET CS 669 Database Design and Implementation for Business
MET CS 682 Information Systems Analysis and Design
MET CS 782 IT Strategy and Management
Computer Science Faculty
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Tuition & Financial Assistance
Competitive Tuition
Our part-time rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education.Comprehensive Financial Assistance
Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.How Much Does This Program Cost?
BU MET programs offer the flexibility of part-time study, either on campus or online. Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. Course enrollment in this certificate program is 1–2 courses (4–8 credits) in a semester, and tuition is charged the part-time per-credit rate.
Information Technology Graduate Certificate (Online and On Campus)
| Enrollment Status | Part Time |
| Courses per Semester | 2 courses (8 credits) |
| Time to Degree | 2 semesters (8 months) |
| Tuition* | $550-$975 per credit** |
| Fees per Semester* | $60 |
| Total Degree Cost* | $15,720 |
*Based on 2024-2025 Boston University tuition & fee rates.
**Cost per credit is determined by course number (100–599 = $550/credit, 600–999 = $975/credit).
Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit BU MET’s Financial Aid page.
Get Started
Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.
What to Read Next: MET Computer Science & IT Knowledge Center
- How Long Does a Master’s in Computer Science Take to Complete—and What is the Cost?
- Why Get a Master’s Degree in Computer Science at BU MET?
- What Do My Career Options Look Like with a Master’s in Computer Science from BU’s Metropolitan College?
- Are There Different Computer Science Graduate Programs or Specializations at BU?
News & Events
January 23rd, 2025 at: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Graduate Information Session - In Person
February 6th, 2025 at: 9:00am - 9:45am
The Inside Scoop: Graduate Admissions at BU MET (International Students)
February 11th, 2025 at: 12:00pm - 12:45pm
The Inside Scoop: BU MET Graduate Admissions for Domestic Students (US Citizens & Permanent US Residents)